This has to be one of the silliest posts I've read on the internet to date. I am appalled that anyone can actually give credence to such Pharisaical nonsense. We are not saved through adherence to some man-made time-keeping device. And don't kid yourself... the Old Calendar/New Calendar/Modified Calendar is just that... a man-made time-keeping instrument. It is neither sacred nor salvatory. The greater number of Orthodox churches have adopted the so-called New Calendar and that in no way, shape or form compromises their Orthodoxy or their canonicity.
Pews... beards...head-coverings...olive-oil lampadas... oh, puleeeeease! Get serious about this. It is sooooo Pharisaical to be almost ludicrous. But then... there were Pharisees in Jesus' day so why should ours be different. If you want to "play" at being a 19th century Russian Orthodox, be my guest. But don't point that finger of judgment at those of us whose conscience is not as weak as your own. I happen to think that it is perfectly legitimate to shave.. sit in a pew...have my wife at my side during liturgy... have my wife without a head-covering... be on the "New" Calendar... etc. etc. and STILL be Orthodox, your dire accusations notwithstanding. BUT hey... different strokes for different folks, I guess is the order of the day.
